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For Immediate Release: January 3, 2019 CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Beusse has been with Georgia Retailers since 2017 and has led its lobbying and grassroots initiatives, helping to re-establish the organization as THE voice of retailing in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, announces the promotion of Thomas Beusse to the position of Executive Director. Buesse will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives and lobbying efforts going forward. The promotion is effective January 1, 2019.
“Thomas has been integral to the success of the Georgia Retailers, including expanding our membership, influence and impact throughout the state, and we’re excited about what the future holds for our members and our industry,” said Georgia Retailers Board Chair Heather Kennedy. “This promotion ensures that the retail industry in Georgia will continue to have a powerful voice.”
Thomas has been with the Georgia Retailers since August of 2017 when he joined as Director of Government Affairs. His prior positions included State Government Affairs Manager as well as Political Mobilization Manager for the Southern Region for the American Chemistry Council (ACC). He’s also served for Congressman Tom Price and worked for a lobbying firm. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018 CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Second highest spending amount ever expected this year as families splurge on moms with jewelry, meals, flowers and clothing the most popular options

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Florida mothers will be showered with gifts from their family members this year, as spending for Mother’s Day is expected to reach $180 per person. This is down slightly from last year’s record high of $186 per person. Total spending nationwide is expected to surpass $23.1 billion, once again the second highest in survey history with more than 86 percent of Americans celebrating.

“Mothers play such a vital role in our society, and it’s wonderful to see that they’ll be receiving plenty of gifts this year as people feel more and more comfortable with their own finances,” said GR President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “A healthy economy with more residents employed should lead to increased spending and a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of this by showcasing sales and discounts on the more popular items.”

According to GR’s partners at the National Retail Federation’s recent survey, consumers plan to spend $4.6 billion on jewelry (purchased by 34 percent of shoppers), $4.4 billion on special outings such as dinner or brunch (55 percent) and $2.6 billion on flowers (69 percent). In addition, $2.5 billion will be spent on gift cards (45 percent), $2.1 billion on clothing (36 percent), $2.1 billion on consumer electronics (14 percent) and $1.8 billion on personal services such as a spa day (24 percent). Another $956 million will be spent on housewares or gardening tools (19 percent), $813 million on greeting cards (77 percent) and $494 million on books or music (19 percent).

The survey found 29 percent want to receive a “gift of experience” such as a spa day, tickets to a concert or gym membership while 26 percent plan to give such a gift. Gifts of experience are given most often — 45 percent of those surveyed — by 18 to 34-year olds.

Individuals ages 35-44 will be the biggest spenders this year at an average $224. However, those between 18-24 will most likely use smartphones to research their purchases and compare prices at 62 percent.

When searching for gifts, 35 percent of consumers will head to department stores and 31 percent will shop online, while 29 percent plan to shop at specialty stores such as florists, jewelers or electronics stores. Meanwhile, 23 percent plan to shop at a local small business, 22 percent at discount stores and 10 percent at specialty clothing stores.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018 CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Spending to be near record highs as consumers continue to feel good about their economic situation, with gift cards, cash, apparel and electronics leading the way for graduation gifts

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Georgians will spend near record highs on graduates this year. The average person is expected to spend $102.51, close to last year’s total of $104.92. Total spending on graduation gifts nationally is expected to top $5.2 billion, the third highest in the survey’s 12-year history.

“Graduation is such a significant milestone in a young adult’s life, and parents, friends, grandparents and others want to recognize this achievement with near record spending this year,” said R. Scott Shalley, Georgia Retailers President & CEO. “Once again, Georgia retailers will put graduation gift ideas on center stage, focusing on the most popular items and combining the excitement of graduating with great discounts and deals for consumers.”

According to GR's national partners at the National Retail Federation’s annual survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics, cash will once again be the most popular gift, given by 55 percent of those surveyed as they seek to help students with the costly transition from high school to college or college to the “real world.” Greeting cards — many of them with cash inside — follow at 43 percent, gift cards at 32 percent, apparel at 14 percent and electronics at 10 percent.

The survey found 45 percent of those ages 18-24 plan to give a gift to other graduates, spending an average of $73.87, with cash being their gift of choice. However, the biggest spending, at $119.86, comes from those ages 45-54 who may have a child at home. Those in the grandparent bracket of 65 and above give an average of $107.15.

The survey, which asked 7,681 consumers about their graduation gift-giving plans, was conducted May 3-10 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2010 sales of $2.4 trillion. www.nrf.com.

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2018 CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Consumers expected to spend $18.2 billion nationally, down slightly from last year, but second-highest all-time; Food, clothing, candy, flowers and decorations lead the way in popularity

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Georgians will increase their Easter spending to near record levels this year, with the per person average expected to top $150, down slightly from last year’s record total of $152. The total expected to be spent nationally is $18.2 billion, second highest in survey history and down from last year’s record of $18.4 billion.

“Even though spending will be down slightly, it’s still near a record high which is great news for Peach State retailers who focus on stocking their shelves for the Easter holiday,” said GR President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Easter is a great time for people to spend with family, which means consumers will be looking for deals on purchasing food, decorations and holding Easter egg hunts to celebrate.”

According to the survey, which was conducted by GR’s national partners at the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $5.7 billion on food (purchased by 87 percent of shoppers), $3.2 billion on clothing (48 percent), $2.9 billion on gifts (61 percent), $2.6 billion on candy (89 percent), $1.3 billion on flowers (39 percent), $1.1 billion on decorations (42 percent) and $780 million on greeting cards (46 percent).

In preparation for the Easter holiday, 59 percent of consumers will shop at discount stores, 46 percent will visit department stores, 28 percent will make purchases online, 25 percent will go to a specialty store and 25 percent will go to a small business or local store. Among smartphone users, 30 percent will research products or compare prices on their devices while 19 percent will use their phones to make a purchase.

Consumers intend to celebrate Easter in several ways: 60 percent will visit family and friends, 58 percent will cook a holiday meal, 51 percent will go to church and 17 percent will go to a restaurant. The Easter Bunny is expected to have a busy holiday season: 35 percent of consumers will participate in an Easter egg hunt and 16 percent will open gifts. In addition to traditional holiday events, some consumers will pursue more leisurely activities: 45 percent will watch TV, 11 percent will shop online, 9 percent will shop in a store and 8 percent will go to a movie.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2017
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Average person expected to spend $86 this year on Halloween candy, costumes, decorations and greeting cards; total spending nationally to set record of $9.1 billion

TALLAHASSEE, FL – TheFlorida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, announced today that consumer spending on Halloween is expected to once again set an all-time high with the average person spending more than $86, up from $83 in 2016. Total spending nationally on Halloween is expected to reach $9.1 billion up from $8.4 billion last year.

“Another year of expected record spending on Halloween festivities is great news for Florida’s retailers,” said FRF President and CEO R. Scott Shalley. “The crafty retailers in our state will be able to scare up more sales by offering special discounts and other incentives to get more people in their stores to purchase costumes, decorations and candy.”

According to a recent survey done by FRF’s national partners at the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend an average of $86.13, up from last year’s $82.93, with 179 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities, up from 171 million in 2016.

According to the survey, consumers plan to spend $3.4 billion on costumes (purchased by 69 percent of Halloween shoppers), $2.7 billion on candy (95 percent), another $2.7 billion on decorations (72 percent) and $410 million on greeting cards (37 percent).

According to Candystore.com, the most popular Halloween candy in the Sunshine State, based on sales data from 2007-2016, are Skittles (630,938 pounds sold), followed by Snickers (587,385) and Reese’s Cups (224,637). The top three most popular Halloween candies across the country are Skittles, Reese’s Cups and M&M’s.

Among Halloween celebrants, 71 percent plan to hand out candy, 49 percent will decorate their home or yard, 48 percent will wear costumes, 46 percent will carve a pumpkin, 35 percent will throw or attend a party, 31 percent will take their children trick-or-treating, 23 percent will visit a haunted house and 16 percent will dress pets in costumes.

Thirty-five percent of consumers will find their inspiration for the perfect costume online, while 30 percent will look in stores, 20 percent will ask friends and family, 18 percent will look to Facebook or Pinterest, 17 percent will be influenced by pop culture and 14 percent by print media.

When it comes to buying costumes and other Halloween supplies, 47 percent of shoppers will visit discount stores and 38 percent will go to a specialty Halloween store or costume store. In addition, 25 percent will visit supermarkets, 24 percent will buy at department stores and 22 percent will shop online.

Top Costumes

More than 3.7 million children plan to dress as their favorite action character or superhero, 2.9 million as Batman characters and another 2.9 million as their favorite princess while 2.2 million will dress as a cat, dog, monkey or other animal.

Costumes Ranked: Children

Action/Superhero

7.1%

Batman Character

5.5%

Princess

5.5%

Animal (Cat, Dog, Monkey, etc.)

4.1%

Spider-Man

3.6%

Star Wars Character

3.1%

Witch

3.0%

Marvel Superhero (excl. Spider-Man)

2.9%

Pirate

2.9%

Disney Princess

2.3%

Proving that Halloween isn’t just for kids, a record number of adults (48 percent) plan to dress in costume this year. More than 5.8 million adults plan to dress like a witch, 3.2 million as their favorite Batman character, 3 million as an animal (cat, dog, cow, etc.), and 2.8 million as a pirate.

Costumes Ranked: Adults

Witch

8.5%

Batman Character (Batman, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, etc.)

4.7%

Animal (Cat, Dog, etc.)

4.3%

Pirate

4.1%

Marvel Superhero (Spider-Man, Captain America, etc.)

3.8%

Vampire

3.1%

Zombie

2.6%

DC Superhero (excluding Batman, Wonder Woman)

2.3%

Star Wars Character

2.3%

Slasher Movie Villain (Jason, Scream, etc.)

2.3%

Wonder Woman

2.2%

ABOUTTHE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.